Fans have praised Cassie Ventura's husband for "saving her life" after finding out the backstory of how he came into her life.
It comes as extremely disturbing footage of the 37-year-old singer allegedly being beaten by her former boyfriend, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, was made public after it was obtained by CNN.
In the video, which was reportedly taken in March 2016, the 'Finna Get Loose' rapper was allegedly seen grabbing, kicking, and dragging Ventura in a hotel in the now inoperative InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
After the harrowing clip went viral, Diddy took to social media to address the rumors and apologize despite denying all the allegations against him prior to the release of the footage.
"I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he said in the video statement posted on Sunday (May 19).
"It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that," he continued, before adding: "I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry.
"But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry," he concluded.
But fans are not in a forgiving mood, with many slamming the rapper for his actions, as well as his "insensitive" apology.
Amongst those who criticized the singer was none other than Ventura's husband, Alex Fine, who released a statement after the initial hotel footage went viral.
"Men who hit women aren't men. Men who enable it and protect those people aren't men," read his social media message. "As men violence against women shouldn't be inevitable, check your brothers, your friends, and your family. Our daughters, sisters, mothers, and wives should feel protected and loved. Hold the women in your life with the utmost regard. Men who hurt women hate women."
The statement continued: "To all the survivors, find the men and women who help and love. To all the survivors, your stories are real, and people believe you. To all the survivors, you're not alone, and there are men and women who care only for your well being and safety. We want you to succeed and flourish."
Directing his attention to domestic violence victims, he added: "To all the women and children, I'm sorry you live in a world where you're not protected, and you don't feel equal. I want to raise my daughters in a world where they are safe and loved.
He then turned his attention to the abusers.
"To the abusers, you're done. You're not safe anymore, you're not protected anymore."
Have a look at the full post below:Many have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Ventura's husband after finding out that he helped her after being hired by Diddy as her personal trainer.
"I feel like Cassie’s husband literally saved her life. The way Diddy was so bold to drag her down a hallway full of other rooms, proves that he had no problem with beating her in front of others. Alex probably witnessed some disturbing things. That man saved her. God bless him," this user wrote, while another added: "The GAG is, Alex was Diddy’s personal trainer and then started training Cassie in their home. Her only way out was probably by confiding in him because it seems like she didn’t have much of a social life outside of Diddy and his peers."
However, others pointed out that it could be a "dangerous narrative", as Ventura's story should not be hijacked by another "savior."
"This 'Cassie's husband saved her' narrative is very dangerous to be playing with. He's not her saviour? & again puts this man in a very powerful position in her life. He cared and loved her, that's enough, we don't need to make this man the centre of her story," this person pointed out, but another X user hit back with the fact that he did aid her in her recovery.
"He WAS the one to help get her tf out and also coaxed her to file the suit so it may not be the narrative you like BUT it appears that is what’s happened. And good for her. At least she’s in a positive relationship with someone who cares about her," they wrote.
Either way, we're glad that Ventura has found love with Fine and both partners are happy raising their child together.
If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, help is out there. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information.
